Next to triple presence at Kent’s Bluewater

Next is set to triple the size of its presence at Bluewater in Kent, with the retailer relocating to what will be one of its largest stores in the UK.

The fashion retailer will be upsizing from its existing 44,600 sq ft store into a 133,000 sq ft space, currently occupied by House of Fraser.

The expanded store will offer the brand’s range of clothing for men, women, and children alongside a homeware section and a café.

Next will also relocate beauty brand Bath and Body Works into a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft store.

This follows a period of strong leasing activity at Bluewater, which has completed 12 new lettings and five upsizes in the last six months. Brands such as Sephora, Pull & Bear, Aesop, and Bershka are all set to open at the scheme before the end of the year.

Bluewater is jointly-owned by Landsec, M&G, Royal London, and Schroders.

Pablo Sueiras, head of brand account management at Landsec said: “The best brands are investing in bigger, better stores in prime locations. Next is at the forefront of retail innovation which has made it one of the most in demand brands among consumers. Next’s new store will transform a department store into a new destination within Bluewater and enhance the shopping experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”

The news follows half-year results from Landsec that showed continued momentum across its portfolio of retail destinations. During the first half of the year, Landsec had signed or was in solicitors’ hands with £26m of lettings, with occupancy across its portfolio now higher than pre-pandemic levels at 96%.